Linis noticed Gewey's difficulty. “Stay justbehind me,” he said. “Do as I do.” Gewey tried hisbest to follow Linis' every move, and was able to lessen his hurtsconsiderably. Still, he managed a few extra scrapes before the forestthinned.
“How can he stand to live in such a place?”Gewey asked.
“A bit much to get through, for anyone other thanan elf.” Linis chuckled. “It is why we choose suchplaces. Most of our dwellings are not easily accessible, even ourtowns. Some you could never find unless you knew exactly where tolook.”
Gewey tried to imagine what an elf town would look like.Majesty and magic must be everywhere. Then he dismissed the notion.So far, he had been far from the mark. Kaphalos lived in a house, butalthough it was well-built and beautiful, it was nothing like he hadpictured.
The forest thinned even more, and soon Gewey foundhimself walking along a colorful cobblestone street. It was wideenough that the party could walk four abreast comfortably.
Theopolou turned back to Gewey. “Once we reach theend of the road, Akakios will guide you and Kaylia to your quarters.You should be able to get there unseen. The servants will bepreparing the house, and we are the first party to arrive.”
“How can you tell?” asked Gewey.
“It's myhouse,” replied Theopolou. “I know when someone is about.Not even Linis could enter my land without my notice.”
The road ended at an immense gateway, twenty feet highand solid as steel. It shined like silver and bore long, carved ivoryhandles. A polished granite wall spanned east and west farther thanGewey's eyes could see. He stared in wonder. Even the walls of ahuman city weren't so well constructed, and the gate looked as ifnothing could bring it down.
The party halted and Theopolou approached the gate. Heplaced his hand upon one of the handles. Suddenly the handle hissedand glowed with a pale, white light. Then, as if by command, the gateswung outward without a sound.
“Magic,” whispered Gewey.
Theopolou sniffed. “It is not magic.” Hiseyes fell on Kaylia. “If he is to be yours, then you shouldteach him properly.”
Gewey could feel Kaylia's embarrassment. “I'msorry,” he said. “I shouldn't have said anything.”
“It is not your fault.” Kaylia lowered hereyes. “I have not told you enough about us. The moment we werebonded, I should have instructed you more about our ways.”
Gewey was about to try to console her, but Theopolouheld out his palm. Akakios moved in front of Gewey and Kaylia.
“Wait for them to enter,” said Akakios.“Then follow me to your quarters.”
Once Theopolou and the others were about fifty feetahead, Akakios led them through the gate. Gewey sucked in his breath.
A polished, solid white, marble path lay before him.Each stone was etched with an intricate golden inlay of elf ruins.The grounds were dotted with ancient willows and strong oaks, andwild flowers covered the area like a glorious carpet of color andsplendor. Directly ahead, stood a ten foot tall, solid crystal statueof an elf maiden. Her arm held aloft an orb, surrounded by tiny vinesof ivy. The sunlight struck the orb and it sparkled and split,causing rainbows of light to dance playfully. The craftsmanship wasfar beyond anything Gewey had ever imagined possible.
What most impressed Gewey was the house… if such astructure could be called a house. The entire building wasconstructed from pure white marble and it stood three stories high,rising to an apex. Elaborate carvings of horses, wolves, bobcats, andmany other animals Gewey did not recognize, decorated the facing. Nota speck of dirt blemished its beauty, and it showed no sign ofweathering. A massive flight of stairs, wide as the entire house, ledto a broad double door made from the same gleaming metal as thegates. Lining the front and supporting the lip of the high ceilingstood six massive columns, ten feet apart and as big around as amature oak.
As Theopolou and the others passed by the crystalstatue, each stopped in turn and bowed their heads.
“Come,” Akakios commanded.
He led Gewey and Kaylia around the west end of the housewhere three small round buildings stood, lined up east to west fromthe side of the main house. They were crafted from smooth whitestones and the roofs glittered with quartz tiles. The door was blondmaple and had a silver doorknocker in the center.
“All of the rooms are identical,” saidAkakios. “Each is equipped with a shower, and food and freshclothing will be brought right away.”
They thanked Akakios. Kaylia took the room nearest themain house and Gewey the one just beside it. When Gewey opened thedoor, he felt the relief of cool air pour out. The room was largeenough for four people, and well lit by the same strange orbs he hadseen at the home of Kaphalos. The four of them hung from a silverchain near the wall. To his right was a single bed with fine linensheets and a plump, round, comfortable-looking pillow. On his leftstood a small, round, oak table with four chairs. A plush couch, withtwo brass tables on each end, sat at the far side of the room. Butwhat caught Gewey's eye was the area between the table and thecouch-the shower.
Gewey nearly forgot to close the door behind him beforehe threw down his pack and stripped off his clothes. It looked muchlike the one he had used in Lord Ganflin's manor, only the fixturewere a bit more elaborate and a small marble table held the soaps andbathing implements.
Once inside the shower area he pulled the curtainaround. Remembering the shock of the water from his first time, hecarefully twisted the knobs. He lost himself in the feeling ofsteaming hot water pouring over his body. When he finished, hegrabbed a towel which hung on the wall and stepped out. To hisamazement a fresh set of clothes lay neatly on the bed, and a bowl ofhot stew and fresh bread had been placed on the table. He had notheard anyone enter or move about.
He dried off and donned the clothes that the elves hadprovided. They were simple tan pants and shirt, with a thin leatherbelt. The fabric was comfortable, fit nicely, and was highly durable.A pair of calfskin moccasins and cotton socks completed the ensemble.Gewey sat at the table and began to eat, when the door swung open. Itwas Linis.
“You look very much the elf in those clothes,”remarked Linis, smiling.
“This is what elves wear? I've never seen an elfdressed this way.”
“Of course not.” Linis laughed. “Thisis what we wear at home while relaxing. Do you find it comfortable?”
“Very.” In fact, the longer he wore theclothes the more he noticed they had certain properties. His skinfelt cool and alive, and the moccasins hugged his feet to the pointhe barely noticed he wore them. “I'd love to know how they'remade. The tailors back home would go crazy for this. The cobblers,too.”
“I am sure they would,” said Linis. “Youmay find it is easier to sway the minds of the elf elders than to prythe secrets from our craftsmen. They are protective of their art.”He sat across from Gewey. “It may be some time before you canleave this room. Do you need anything? I can have it brought.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “Some books would benice. About the elves, if possible.”
“I'm sure that can be arranged.”
“Have you seen Kaylia?”
Linis shook his head. “Not yet. I was going to seeher after I came here. Do you have a message?”
Gewey hated that he couldn't speak to her when she wasjust yards away. “No. I'll deliver it myself.”
Linis frowned. “You must not leave this room. Giveit to me and I'll convey it.”
Gewey flashed a mischievous grin. “I don't need toleave this room to deliver my message. I agreed to stay here and Iwill. But where my spirit travels is my business.”
Linis burst out with laughter. “I sometimes forgetwhat you are, and what you're capable of. Mind that you keep it toyourself. Once the elders are told about you, many are likely to fearyou. Give them no more reason than you must to do so.”